Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus that combines an RFID-like machine configuration reader with a device for acquiring machine diagnostic information. The apparatus includes an RFID-like communicator with an antenna and a machine diagnostic sensor, with the RFID-like communicator and the machine diagnostic sensor being substantially combined in a single housing. The apparatus is generally used with a portable data processor. The machine diagnostic sensor may be a thermal sensor, a vibration sensor, a flux sensor, or any other diagnostic sensor used in analysis of machine health. Electromagnetic interference shielding material may be disposed between the RFID-like communicator antenna and the machine diagnostic sensor to prevent electromagnetic interference between the RFID-like communicator and the machine diagnostic sensor. A method of diagnosing the condition of a machine using a combined RFID-like machine configuration communicator and machine diagnostic sensor is provided where the machine has an RFID-like transponder tag and an inspection point. The combined diagnostic reader is positioned in a first orientation where the RFID-like machine configuration communicator is in operative communication with the RFID-like transponder tag to read machine configuration date, and then the diagnostic reader is positioned in a second orientation where the machine diagnostic sensor is proximate to the inspection point to acquire machine diagnostic information.

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First Claim