Patent Publication Number: US-2015073742-A1

Title: Industrial Sensor System and Method of Use

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims reference to PCT application PCT/US12/68837 (filed 2012 Dec. 8) which, in turn, claims benefit of U.S. provisional application 61/568,648 (filed 2011 Dec. 8). This application if filed on Monday, Jun. 9, 2014, which is on the first Monday following the 30 th  month after the provisional application was filed. Accordingly, this application properly and timely claims benefit to the original filing date of the provisional application and the term of the PCT applications cited above. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT (IF APPLICABLE) 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX (IF APPLICABLE) 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure relates generally to an industrial sensor system and method of use. Systems and methods for vibration sensing lack the benefits of the system and method herein disclosed. As such, since none of the current systems, taken either singularly or in combination are seen to describe the instant disclosure. Accordingly, an improved industrial sensor system and method of use would be advantageous. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An industrial sensor system is disclosed. Said system comprising a communication module, a one or more sensors, and a power system. Said one or more sensors having a body and a logic board. Said one or more signals generated by said logic boards of said one or more sensors. Said logic board of said one or more sensors having a microcontroller capable of processing said one or more signals and a communication BUS capable of communicating with said communication module and other among said one or more sensors over a network. 
     The following comments are directed toward the prior art references presented in the international search report (the “ISR”) of the parent application (PCT/US12/68837). Note that the claims of this application are narrower than the set of claims in the PCT application. Here, the limitations of claims  1 ,  3 ,  5 , and  7 - 8  of the PCT application are all included in the currently presented independent claim  1 . Accordingly, it is respectfully requested that examination be directed at the narrowed apparatus. 
     The ISR—primary citing prior art references Wallauer (2010/0308811) and Arms (U.S. Pat. No. 6,462,554 B2)—states that the original claims do not meet the inventive step requirement. 
     Here, claim  1  is distinguished from Wallauer, in that Wallauer uses magnetic flux in his sensor configuration, whereas claim  1  uses seismic sensors capable of measuring amplitude of vibrations. This is a distinction with a substantial innovation. The device described in claim  1  is adapted to sensing vibrations in machines which are prone to failure and damage if not properly monitored, the use of several types of seismic sensors is an innovation in this context. Consider, Wallauer is used to do magnetic signal analysis, which is a different field. In our case, the use of different sensor types (digital and analog) and calculating a true signal represent a breakthrough in the Applicants&#39; industries. 
     Further, claim  1  includes limitations drawn to the types of sensors being used. In order to calculate the true signal use of sensors capable of sensing acceleration at low frequencies is just as important as sensing vibrations at high frequencies. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E and  1 F illustrate a first and second side perspective overview, a second side elevated view, a front side elevated view, a first side elevated view, and a top elevated view of a sensor system. 
         FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate a perspective cross-section over view of said sensor system without a logic board, with said logic board outside of said cavity and inside of said cavity. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of said plurality of components within said sensor system. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a first network diagram of a plurality of said sensor systems. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a second network diagram of said plurality of said sensor systems. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a third network diagram of said plurality of said sensor systems. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of said plurality of components within said communication module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Described herein is an industrial sensor system and method of use. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers&#39; specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. 
       FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E and  1 F illustrate a first and second side perspective overview, a second side elevated view, a front side elevated view, a first side elevated view, and a top elevated view of a sensor system  100 . In one embodiment, sensor system  100  can comprise a NPT portion  101 , a body  102 , a top  104 , a bottom  106 , a front  108 , a back  110 , a first side  112  and a second side  114 . In one embodiment, said body  102  can comprise a first aperture  120  and a second aperture  122 . In one embodiment, said first aperture  120  can cut through said body  102  from said front  108  to said back  110 . In one embodiment, said second aperture  122  can cut into a portion of said second side  114  of said body  102 . In one embodiment, said second aperture  122  can be used to attach said sensor system  100  to a stud mount. In one embodiment, said first aperture  120  and/or said second aperture  122  can be used to attach said sensor system  100  to an object for monitoring (as discussed below). 
     In one embodiment, said body  102  can comprise a substantially rectangular shape where said top  104 , said bottom  106 , front  108 , said back  110 , said first side  112  and said second side  114  can be substantially flat. In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can be injection molded, or built in other well-known manufacturing means. In one embodiment, said NPT portion  101  can comprise a cylindrical portion of said sensor system  100  comprising an external threading  130 . In one embodiment, said NPT portion  101  can be substantially hollow. In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise a cavity  132 . In one embodiment, said cavity  132  can be in said body  102 . In one embodiment, said cavity  132  can be accessible through an open end  134  of said NPT portion  101 . 
     In one embodiment, said communications port  101  can protrude from said first side  112 . In one embodiment, said first side  112  can comprise a data communications port capable of receiving a cable to data communications with other devices. 
     In one embodiment, sensor system  100  can comprise a Piezo ceramic element. 
     In one embodiment, communications port  101  can comprise a T-Port Connector to maintain digital life integrity. 
       FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate a perspective cross-section over view of said sensor system  100  without a logic board  220 , with said logic board  220  outside of said cavity  132  and inside of said cavity  132 . In one embodiment, said cavity  132  can be used to hold said logic board  220 . In one embodiment, said body  102  can be used to protect said logic board  220  and mount it to said object for monitoring (as will be discussed below). In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise a logic board  220  comprising a plurality of components. In one embodiment, said logic board  220  can be attached to said body  102  with an adhesive, clip, tack or clip. In one embodiment, a one or more cables  202  can attach to said logic board  220  through said open end  134  of said NPT portion  101 . In one embodiment, said logic board  220  can only be accessed through said NPT portion  101 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a flow diagram of said plurality of components within said sensor system  100 . In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise said logic board  220  having said plurality of components. In one embodiment, said plurality of components can comprise a one or more sensors  301 . In one embodiment, said plurality of components can comprise a one or more digital sensors  302 , a one or more analog sensors  304 , a microcontroller  308 , a memory  310 , and a communication BUS  312 . In one embodiment, said one or more sensors  301  can comprise said one or more digital sensors  302  and said one or more analog sensors  304 . In one embodiment, said microcontroller  308  can comprise a microcontroller or microprocessor. In one embodiment, said microcontroller  308  can comprise a system on a chip capable of one or more well-known client/server tasks such as processing data inputs, communication over a network, data and/or web hosting. In one embodiment, said one or more digital sensors  302  can produce a one or more digital signals  320 . In one embodiment, said one or more analog sensors  304  can produce a one or more analog signals  322 . In one embodiment, said one or more sensors  301  can generate a one or more signals comprising said one or more digital signals  320  and said one or more analog signals  322 . In one embodiment, said one or more analog signals  322  can be analyzed and converted into a digital signal by said microcontroller  308 , or by an analog to digital converter before said one or more analog signals  322  reaches said microcontroller  308 . In one embodiment, said communication BUS  312  can receive a data in  324  and send a data out  326 . In one embodiment, said communication BUS  312  can comprise an industry standard BUS platform (such as CAN BUS) capable of communicating with industry standard sensors. In one embodiment, said communication BUS  312  can comprise a wireless networking capability (such as wifi, cellular 3G/4G, or similar). In one embodiment, said logic board  220  can receive a power input  328  at a power system  329 . In one embodiment, said power system  329  can manage power distribution to said plurality of components of said logic board  220 . In one embodiment, said logic board  220  can receive and send data to a client computer and/or a server. In one embodiment, said data in  324 , said data out  326 , and said power input  328  can comprise 4 wires (2 power and 2 data wires). In one embodiment, said one or more digital sensors  302  and/or said one or more analog sensors  304  can comprise three axis sensors (or tri-axial sensors). In one embodiment, said one or more digital sensors  302  and/or said one or more analog sensors  304  can comprise seismic, UTB, temperature, bearing condition, proximity, temperature (resistive thermal device or semiconductor temperature sensor), MEMS accelerometer (micro electro-mechanical systems accelerometer) and/or vibration sensors. In one embodiment, one or more different sensor types can be soldered onto said logic board  220  and can communicate over an industry standard BUS language (such as CAN BUS). In one embodiment, said one or more digital signals  320  of said one or more digital sensors  302  and said one or more analog signals  322  of said one or more analog sensors  304  can be referred to as one or more analog and digital signals. 
     In one embodiment, said microcontroller  308  is capable of processing said one or more analog and digital signals. In one embodiment, said one or more digital signals  320  of said one or more digital sensors  302  can be more accurate at low frequencies, and said one or more analog signals  322  of said one or more analog sensors  304  can be accurate at high frequencies; wherein, processing said one or more signals can comprise comparing said one or more digital signals  320  to said one or more analog signals  322 , correcting for known inaccuracies in said one or more signals, and calculating a true signal. 
     In one embodiment, said one or more digital sensors  302  and said one or more analog sensors  304  can be capable of measuring and generating said one or more signals for an amplitude and vibration, a temperature, and a bearing condition status. In one embodiment, said microcontroller  308  can interpret said one or more digital signals  320  and digitize them for communication over a network (as discussed below). In one embodiment, said data out  326  can be communicated out of said sensor system  100  through said communications port  101 . In one embodiment, generating said bearing condition status can comprise reading said one or more analog and digital signals, interpreting frequencies and frequency patterns (e.g., velocity, an acceleration or change in acceleration pattern) and matching said patterns to known bearing danger ranges and, in turn, signaling that one or more bearings are in a dangerous condition. In one embodiment, said frequency pattern can fall within a range of frequencies such as 1 KHz up to 5 KHz; or, for a motor, up to 30 Hz, and for many common machines 120 Hz. In one embodiment, said vibration sensor can comprise a tri-axial vibration monitoring system, and each axis can comprise an IPS (inches per second) rms and/or high pass g&#39;s pk. 
     In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise a signal amplification with integration and high frequency signal conditioning and filtering. In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise said microcontroller  308  with data acquisition. In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can comprise a line driver integrated with a power supply. In one embodiment, said one or more sensors  301  can comprise a temperature sensor for temperature detection. In one embodiment, only a relatively low current (for example less than 100 mA) is required and thus a high number of said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can run off of a single power source. In one embodiment, each of said sensor systems  100  can comprise a unique identifier. In one embodiment, said unique identifier is added to said data out  326 . 
     In one embodiment, said data out  326  can comprise a tri-axial overall vibration level in velocity ips or mm/sec. In one embodiment, data out  326  can comprise a bearing condition, such as high frequency g&#39;s pk measurement 1 KHz-5 KHz. In one embodiment, said data out  326  can comprise overall temperature measurement range (such as −40 degrees C. to 105 degrees C.) fixed. In one embodiment, said data out  326  can comprise all of the above. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a first network diagram of a plurality of said sensor systems  100 . In one embodiment, said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can comprise a first sensor  100   a , a second sensor  100   b , a third sensor  100   c , a fourth sensor  100   d , a fifth sensor  100   f  and a sixth sensor  100   e . In one embodiment, said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can be used to monitor a one or more equipment. In one embodiment, said one or more equipment can comprise a first equipment  400   a , a second equipment  400   b , a third equipment  400   c  and a multi-part equipment  400   d . In one embodiment, said multi-part equipment  400   d  can comprise a multi-part machine requiring monitoring by one or more of said plurality of said sensor systems  100 ; thus, in one embodiment, said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can be capable of monitoring one or more equipment. 
     In one embodiment, each of sensor systems  100  can be attached to a network  401 . In one embodiment, network  401  can comprise a daisy chain comprising a one or more data lines, each able to attach to sensor systems  100  without sending a separate one or more data lines for each of sensor systems  100  (that is in serial rather than parallel). In one embodiment, said one or more data lines can comprise network cable, USB cable, data bearing cable, or similar. In one embodiment, network  401  can comprise a branch circuit. In one embodiment, said one or more data lines can comprise a first line  402   a , a second line  402   b , a third line  402   c  and a fifth line  402   d . In one embodiment, said sensor system  100  can reduce the number of mechanical connections by one-third or more, which reduces the points of possible failure, and reduces the cost and improves reliability of said sensor system  100  on said network  401 . 
     In one embodiment, said one or more data lines can comprise a two-wire digital per axis (4 total) communication BUS; and thereby increases the immunity to EMI and RFI compared to other traditional transmitter or dynamic signal monitoring systems. Furthermore, for Zone 0 or Class 1 Division 1 hazardous area installations you will need just 1 common and relatively inexpensive intrinsic safety barrier to work with a large amount of sensors. More information yet less cost and less prone to problems. 
     In one embodiment, said network  401  can communicate with said sensor systems  100  and a communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can process said data out  326  from one or more of said plurality of said sensor systems  100 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can communicate with a control system  404  over an external network  405 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can communicate with a computer  406  over said external network  405 . In one embodiment, said computer  406  can comprise a client or a server computer located on an intranet or through an internet with said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can comprise a relay board  420  and/or a wireless board  422 . In one embodiment, said wireless board  422  can comprise a wireless networking capability (such as wifi, cellular 3G/4G, or similar). In one embodiment, said wireless board  422  can communicate with said plurality of said sensor systems  100  by wireless transmission rather than through said one or more data lines. In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can function as a controller with said plurality of said sensor systems  100  and thereby replace said control system  404 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  and/or said control system  404  can receive said data out  326  from said plurality of said sensor systems  100  and therewith calculate new functions for said plurality of said sensor systems  100 , said one or more equipment, and/or one or more other systems (as is well-known in the art). Thus, in one embodiment said communication module  403  can function as a node (facilitating communication between said plurality of said sensor systems  100 ) in said network  401  and/or a computer controller (facilitating and 
     In one embodiment, said relay board  420  and/or said wireless board  422  can be integrated into said communication module  403 . In another embodiment, said relay board  420  and/or said wireless board  422  can be added to said communication module  403  by plugging in said relay board  420  and/or said wireless board  422  into said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said relay board  420  and/or said wireless board  422  can comprise an off the shelf, well-known industry expansion board. 
     In one embodiment, said network  401  can span a firewall  407 ; wherein, said firewall  407  can comprise an inside  408  and an outside  409 . In one embodiment, said inside  408  of said firewall  407  can comprise a space within firewall  407  where one or more equipment and multi-part equipment  400   d  are operating. In one embodiment, said inside  408  can comprise a specified “class 1, div 2” area. In one embodiment, said inside  408  can comprise a hazardous gas area which must be kept isolated. In one embodiment, said inside  408  of said firewall  407  can comprise a “class 1, div 1” area. 
     In one embodiment, said outside  409  can comprise an area outside of firewall  407 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can be located said outside  409  of said firewall  407 . In one embodiment, said network  401  can require only one of one or more data lines to span both side of said firewall  407 . In one embodiment, said network  401  can deliver power to said plurality of said sensor systems  100 . In one embodiment, by only bringing one or more of said one or more data lines through said firewall  407 , general safety has increased because: there is no need to run multiple wires through firewall  407 , no need to walk around firewall  407  by staff, only one firewall  407  is required, and because the amount of input/output (“I/O”) through network  401  is minimized. 
     In one embodiment, said one or more equipment can comprise a blower, centrifuge, compressor, pump, turbine, cooling tower, gear box, engine, fan, generator, and/or motor. 
     In one embodiment, said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can be made of high quality materials and to thresholds capable of work environments. In one embodiment, said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can withstand extremes temperatures, corrosive chemicals, lubricating oil, humidity, moisture, grease, physical abuse, and the like. Likewise, use of said sensor system  100  can help one or more equipment to last as long as possible and so said sensor systems  100  are designed to surpass the life expectation of one or more equipment which they are monitoring. 
     In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can connect via Modus RTU to a PLC, SCADA or DCS and provide protection to all types of said one or more equipment. 
     In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can be removed and said network  401  can be attached directly to said control system  404  or said computer  406 , each of which is capable of monitoring and controlling said sensor systems  100 , and said one or more equipment. 
     In one embodiment, each of said plurality of said sensor systems  100  can comprise a monitoring system capable of monitoring three (or more) fundamental parameters of one or more equipment and multi-part equipment  400   d ; viz., three axial overall vibration, bearing/gear condition, and temperature. Since all three functions can be put into each of said one or more equipment, and because it can be configured to only require wiring to the nearest among said sensor system  100  across said network  401 , less than one third of said one or more data lines can be required for said network  401  comprising said plurality of said sensor systems  100 . 
     There are several ways to use said sensor system  100  on said network  401 . In one embodiment, said sensor systems  100  can be used with an existing PLC, DCS or SCADA system; wherein, said data out  326  of said logic board  220  (comprising a portion of or a filtered version of said one or more digital signals  320  and/or said one or more analog signals  322 ) can be sent to said communication module  403 , said control system  404  and/or said computer  406 . In one embodiment, said data out  326  can be communicated via a Modbus RTU (standard) or other communication protocols. In one embodiment, said network  401  can no longer require a plurality of expensive 4-20 mA loops and analog 4-20 mA I/O modules. In one embodiment, PLC, DCS or SCADA systems may then be programmed to alarm the operator of a significant change in a machines&#39; condition or you may also program the control system to shutdown the machine on a high parameter level. 
     In one embodiment, said computer  406  can comprise a stand-alone PC or laptop; in this scenario a system user (such as a plant maintenance personnel) could view conditions of said one or more equipment from a remote computer using a software on said computer  406 ; wherein, said system user may view an overall vibration levels, a temperatures and a bearing or gear conditions of said one or more equipment at near real-time speed. 
     In one embodiment, frequency response range from 3 Hz-3 KHz (overall) and 1 KHz-10 KHz (−3 dB) bearing condition. In one embodiment, axis orientation can comprise a tri axial measurement. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise one or more certifications as will be necessary in different jurisdictions and for different purposes, such as general purpose use (or CE), Class 1 Div 2 Group A-D (or CSA) and/or intrinsically safe for use with a barrier (or “IECEx Intrinsically Safe”). In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise an isolation specification of 500 Vrms, circuit to case. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise an environmental rating of IP67 and/or NEMA 4. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise an enclosure material of 416 SS. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise an accuracy of plus or minus five percent. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a maximum transmission distance of 500 meters. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a maximum number of devices per loop of 500 units. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a polling internal time per unit of 500 msec/device. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a mounting requirement of ⅜-24 mounting stud or M8X1. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a field wiring connection of 4 pin connectors. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a power requirement of 5 VDC at greater than 100 mA line power. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a weight of 0.1 pounds. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise one of a plurality of outputs such as a 4 pin terminal block with rubber boot or a 4 pin Mil connector. In one embodiment, sensor systems  100  can comprise a range for overall vibration output including: 55=0.5 ips (peak), 01=1.0 ips (peak), 02=2.0 ips (peak), 05=12.7 mm/s (rms), 10=25.4 mm/s (rms), and/or 50=50.0 mm/s (rms). In one embodiment, each of sensor systems  100  can comprise a set of instructions and/or configuration software. In one embodiment, said configuration software can further comprise a real time table view of said data out  326  as returned by one or more sensor systems  100 . 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates a second network diagram of said plurality of said sensor systems  100 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can be located within said inside  408  of said firewall  407 . In one embodiment, a portion of said external network  405  can span firewall  407 . 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a third network diagram of said plurality of said sensor systems  100 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can comprise a one or more nodes capable of communicating with a one or more sensor groups (each composed of one or more of said plurality of said sensor systems  100 ). In one embodiment, said one or more sensor groups can comprise a first one or more of said sensor system  450 , a second one or more of said sensor system  452 , a third one or more of said sensor system  454  and a fourth one or more of said sensor system  456 . In one embodiment, said one or more nodes of said communication module  403  can comprise a first node  458   a , a second node  458   b , a third node  458   c  and a fourth node  458   d . In one embodiment, each of said one or more nodes can communicate with up to 50 of said sensor system  100 . In one embodiment, a speed of each one or more nodes can be considered when arranging said plurality of said sensor systems  100  as connected to said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, a distance from said communication module  403  can be considered while arranging said plurality of said sensor systems  100  as upon said one or more nodes. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of said plurality of components within said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said communication module  403  can comprise an display  502 , a one or more communication buss (comprising a first communication bus  504   a , a second communication bus  504   b , a third communication bus  504   c  and a fourth communication bus  504   d ), a microcontroller  506 , a memory  508 , a communication bus  510 , a power system  512 , a one or more expansion slots  514 , a network slot  516 , and a one or more warning lights  518 . In one embodiment, said one or more communication buss can communicate with said one or more nodes. For example, in one embodiment, said first communication bus  504   a  can communicate with said first node  458   a , said second communication bus  504   b  with said second node  458   b , said third communication bus  504   c  with said third node  458   c , and said fourth communication bus  504   d  with said fourth node  458   d . In one embodiment, said microcontroller  506  can process data from said one or more communication buss, execute programmed code, interact with devices attached to said one or more expansion slots  514  or said network slot  516 , process and provide information to said  502 /, store an access in said memory  508 , communicate across said communication bus  510 , manage a power scheme for said power system  512 . In one embodiment, said communication bus  510  in combination with said network slot  516  and/or said one or more expansion slots  514  can communicate data into and out of said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said one or more expansion slots  514  can receive a wireless expansion card capable of adding a wifi, cellular or similar wireless communication protocol to said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said power system  512  can manage said power scheme for said communication module  403 . In one embodiment, said power scheme can manage a power output to said plurality of said sensor systems  100  from said one or more communication buss. In one embodiment, said one or more warning lights  518  and said display  502  can be provide for human-machine interaction. In one embodiment, said power system  512  can receive an input of 10v-36v. In one embodiment, said one or more expansion slots  514  can receive said relay board  420  and/or said wireless board  422  with capabilities described above and known in the art. In one embodiment, said one or more expansion slots  514  can comprise one or more USB slots or a single USB slot capable of expansion with a USB hub (as is known in the art). In one embodiment, said network slot  516  can comprise a one or more standard Ethernet ports for communication on a standard computer network (or similar). In one embodiment, said microcontroller  506  can be used to prioritize said plurality of said sensor systems  100  through said one or more communication buss in order to focus resources to said one or more equipment needing extra attention, or to allocate resources to problems in said network  401 . In one embodiment, said one or more communication buss can comprise four or more nodes. In one embodiment, each of said one or more communication buss can be independent of the others. In one embodiment, said one or more nodes on said one or more communication buss can run at CAN BUS speeds and on the same protocol. In one embodiment, said one or more communication buss can comprise DB9, DV9, Ethernet, and/or pluggable screw terminals connector types for receiving said one or more nodes. 
     Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”