20. A method of analyzing, detecting and recording an occurrence of at least one event during operation of a valve actuator, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of input signals from a plurality of sensors that monitor operation of the actuator and/or surrounding environment; identifying attributes of the plurality of input signals and classifying the attributes as a potential occurrence of the at least one event; determining at least one relationship between the identified attributes and the at least one event, wherein the at least one relationship includes a time-related succession of intermediate states of operation associated with the valve actuator that are interconnected by transition paths, which are quantified by cause-and-effect relationships and temporal and likelihood factors; and verifying the at least one event is characterized as one of a deviation, malfunction or failure associated with the actuator and/or surrounding environment.
20. A method of analyzing, detecting and recording an occurrence of at least one event during operation of a valve actuator, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a plurality of input signals from a plurality of sensors that monitor operation of the actuator and/or surrounding environment; identifying attributes of the plurality of input signals and classifying the attributes as a potential occurrence of the at least one event; determining at least one relationship between the identified attributes and the at least one event, wherein the at least one relationship includes a time-related succession of intermediate states of operation associated with the valve actuator that are interconnected by transition paths, which are quantified by cause-and-effect relationships and temporal and likelihood factors; and verifying the at least one event is characterized as one of a deviation, malfunction or failure associated with the actuator and/or surrounding environment. 25. The method of claim 20 , further comprising the step of providing a textual report describing current and probable causes of the deviations, malfunctions and failures of the actuator.