Abstract: Axial alignment detection apparatus for a shaft rotatable about an axis includes alignment indicating means rotatable by the shaft and comprising a plurality of detectable elements; and detector means for detecting the elements and alignment of the shaft as a function of the elements; the elements comprising at least one reference element and at least one alignment dependent element, wherein the reference and alignment elements have a detectable alignment dependent relationship to each other.

Abstract: A composite torque transmitting power shaft is provided with built-in discrete sensible ferromagnetic elements. The composite shaft is formed of a non-ferromagnetic material so that the sensible elements, disposed interiorly of the shaft, can be sensed by a sensor element positioned outside of the shaft. Two groups of sensible elements are movable with respect to each other as the shaft twists under the application of torque. The elements can be sensed to provide an indication of the speed, torque or horsepower transmitted by the shaft. Further, the frequency and amplitude of torsional oscillations caused by pulsating power source or load characteristics can also be measured.