Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining real-time performance in a sub-assembly device that is driven by a dc motor. In one example embodiment, an electric motor is energized such that a sub-assembly driven by the motor achieves a target operating speed. Pulse width modulation data is captured and plotted along a time axis. A time duration when the sub-assembly device ended a startup operation and achieved a steady state operation is determined. A portion of the plotted data is then compared to an ideal plot defined for that sub-assembly device. Based on the result of that comparison, a determination is made whether the sub-assembly device is performing within accepted operational parameters. A maintenance operation is signaled to be performed in response to the determined sub-assembly operational performance. The data is stored in a historical database from which a preventative maintenance schedule can be derived.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining real-time performance in a sub-assembly device that is driven by a dc motor. In one example embodiment, an electric motor is energized such that a sub-assembly driven by the motor achieves a target operating speed. Pulse width modulation data is captured and plotted along a time axis. A time duration when the sub-assembly device ended a startup operation and achieved a steady state operation is determined. A portion of the plotted data is then compared to an ideal plot defined for that sub-assembly device. Based on the result of that comparison, a determination is made whether the sub-assembly device is performing within accepted operational parameters. A maintenance operation is signaled to be performed in response to the determined sub-assembly operational performance. The data is stored in a historical database from which a preventative maintenance schedule can be derived.

Abstract: A paper sheet finishing system includes a sheet guiding mechanism having nip rollers to transport a sheet forward, at least one diverter gate through which the sheet passes when the at least one diverter gate is open, and a temporary compiler to support the sheet after the sheet passes the at least one diverter gate, a diverter member to travel in conjunction with the at least one diverter gate, and at least one rear suppressor member connected to the diverter member to push a trailing edge of the sheet forward and pitch a leading edge of the sheet downward after the sheet controllably descends past the temporary compiler with reduced flutter and improved positioning during compilation of the sheets.

Abstract: A testing apparatus determines when an electric motor is acceptable based on measured parameters and fuzzy logic. The testing apparatus measures the following motor parameters: a time for the motor to reach a running speed in a steady-state, thus forming a time-to-speed; a difference between an instantaneous speed and an average speed in the steady-state, thus forming a speed variation; a maximum value of the motor current, thus forming a maximum current; a motor current in the steady-state, thus forming a running current; and a motor vibration energy in the steady-state, thus forming a vibration energy. Based on the measured motor parameters, the testing apparatus then uses fuzzy logic to determine when the motor is acceptable.

Abstract: A fault detection system for performing analog current analysis and diagnosis of power devices on digitally controlled buses. The fault detection system includes a field-installable bus interface having a current sensor on a ground return line. A bus controller connected to the bus interface then applies digital control signals and power to a system assembly via the bus interface such that individual power devices are selectively energized. A real time current profile of the selected power device over a selected period of time is determined. A fault determination network compares the real time current against a set of predetermined criteria and determines whether the selected power device is acceptable. The predetermined criteria beneficially includes information useful for determining degradation of the selected power device so that fault correction before failure is feasible.