Abstract: The operating condition of a power steering device for use in a motor car of the type including a steering mechanism driven by a electric actuator is confirmed by supplying test current to the electric actuator before starting the motor car and then detecting the state variation of the power steering device caused by the test current. The electric actuator may comprise a combination of an electric motor and an oil pump driven thereby, or an electric motor directly coupled to a steering mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling and monitoring an electrical motor used to pump petroleum from beneath the surface of the earth. A computerized metering apparatus is used to monitor overload power, underload power, as well as other conditions. When the demand power consumption of the electric motor exceeds or falls below preprogrammed limits, the computer provides an indication of the detected condition. A display panel with a particular combination of display lights is thus controlled by the computer to provide oil well service personnel with an indication of a detected problem, even from a distance. This allows service personnel to monitor the condition of a well without getting out of their service vehicle. Additionally, capability is provided to respond to signals provided from the company supplying electric power in order to control the pumping unit.

Abstract: A motor winding insulation resistance monitoring system for measuring the insulation resistance of a winding of a polyphase motor while the motor is operating including a motor winding insulation resistance measuring circuit. A switching mechanism is provided for selectively interconnecting each winding with a separate phase power source and the winding insulation resistance measuring circuit. The switching mechanism is directed to disconnect a winding from its power source and connect one end of that winding with the motor winding insulation measuring circuit to measure the resistance of that winding's insulation to ground while the motor continues operating.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the start and stop of an engine starter motor includes a sensor, an amplifier, a comparator, and a monostable multivibrator. When a starter motor starts and stops, magnetic flux around the starter motor varies greatly. The sensor senses this varying magnetic flux and produces a voltage signal corresponding to the magnetic flux variation. The voltage signal is amplified by the amplifier so that the amplified voltage signal is fed to the comparator. When the voltage signal fed to the comparator is greater than the reference voltage of the comparator, a pulse signal is fed to the multivibrator, and in turn the multivibrator is triggered to output detecting signals corresponding to the start or stop of the starter motor. A warning lamp or buzzer may be energized by the detecting signal from the multivibrator.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for automatic doors including a speed pulse signal output device for providing speed pulse signals at a time interval inversely proportional to the door speed of an automatic door, a brake for slowing the door speed, a braking position detector for detecting braking position when the brake starts braking, a brake effect measurer for measuring the effect of the brake and a braking power controller for adjusting the braking power of the brake in accordance with the measured braking effect whereby the motion of the door is kept constant irrespective of the door weight and other conditions.

Abstract: An optical indication circuit in which a light-emitting diode is included in the feed current path of an IC which is energized via a dissipation resistor and a rectifier diode directly from the alternating voltage supply.

Abstract: In a hand-held machine tool, a housing formed of two shells accommodates an electric motor, a motor bearing assembly and electric structural components. A brush-side motor bearing includes a bearing support which carries thereon the electric structural components, such as carbon brush holders, chokes for spark quenching, an inductive receiver and light-emitting diodes. The bearing support can be preassembled with these structural components outside the housing and inserted into one of the housing shells.

Abstract: A brush wear monitor system for dynamoelectric machines includes a sensor imbedded in a brush to provide a signal indicating a predetermined amount of brush wear. The brush wear signal is provided through an isolation network to an indicator circuit. The indicator circuit includes a first indicating lamp which is illuminated in the absence of a signal from the brush wear sensor to indicate normal operation and a second indicator lamp which is illuminated only in response to receipt of a brush wear signal from the sensor. Upon receipt of a signal the first indicator lamp is extinguished and the second indicator lamp is illuminated. A manually operated test switch is provided to check the operation of the indicator circuit.

Abstract: An infra-red telemetry system for transmitting information between a rotating shaft of a dynamoelectric machine and an adjacent stationary location includes a plurality of sources of infra-red radiation spaced equi-distanced from one another around the shaft of the dynamoelectric machine and mounted to the shaft of the machine. Information is coded into a pulse train and the pulse train is used to energize the infra-red sources simultaneously. At least one infra-red detector is mounted at a stationary location adjacent the dynamoelectric machine. The infra-red sources are directed to bounce their radiation off a cover plate having a diffuse reflecting surface and mounted on the rotor of the dynamoelectric machine. The bounced radiation is detected by the infra-red detector and decoded to provide the information from the rotor.

Abstract: A spark monitor device arranged to detect a high frequency noise due to a spark generated in a current collector of a rotary electric machine and monitor a state of spark generation on the basis of the product of a peak value of the high frequency noise exceeding a given set value and a time interval during which the peak value exceeds the set value.

Abstract: A drilling machine including an electric drill being selectively fixed at a desired angle with respect to a workpiece and a manual feed handle for moving the electric drill toward and away from the workpiece. A control circuit for the electric drill is provided having a sensor member being operatively connected in said control circuit for detecting a load applied on the electric drill. An alarm member is operatively connected in the control circuit for sending out a signal when a load signal exceeding a first reference level is detected. A switch is operatively connected in the control circuit for deenergizing said control circuit for the electric drill when a load signal exceeding a second reference level is detected.

Abstract: A contact monitor and annunciator unit for providing a persistent warning in the event one of a selected number of event monitoring circuits associated with a mobile refrigeration system opens. The unit includes a number of warning circuits that are electrically isolated from the monitoring circuits by optical isolators and a separate power supply so that the initial cause of a shut down due to abnormal operating conditions can not only be annunicated but also differenciated from a shut down caused by a momentary power failure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground detection arrangement for an A.C. generator in which positive and negative D.C. voltage are alternately applied to the neutral point of an armature winding so as to detect voltages proportional to ground currents corresponding to the respective D.C. voltages, and a ground resistance is obtained with the sum of the absolute values of both the detected voltages, whereby the existence of grounding can be correctly detected regardless of the grounding position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground detection arrangement for an A.C. generator in which positive and negative D.C. voltages are alternately applied to the neutral point of an armature winding so as to detect voltages proportional to ground currents corresponding to the respective D.C. voltages, a ground resistance is calculated using the sum of the absolute values of both the detected voltages, while a grounding position of a field winding is calculated using the relative sum, the calculated results being displayed, whereby the existence of grounding can be correctly detected regardless of the grounding position, and the grounding position of the field winding can be correctly known.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground detection arrangement for an A.C. generator in which positive and negative D.C. voltages are alternately applied to the neutral point of an armature winding so as to detect voltages proportional to ground currents corresponding to the respective D.C. voltages, and the average of the sum of the absolute values of both the detected voltages is compared with a reference value thereby to detect the existence of grounding, whereby the existence of the grounding can be detected without being affected by the grounding position of a field winding.

Abstract: In a circuit for supervising the wear of carbon brushes making normally contact with a commutator of a direct-current electric motor of an electrically operated vehicle powered by an accumulator, and which includes main on-off switch for starting and stopping the vehicle, electrically insulated control brushes carried by the carbon brushes, and movable therewith, and a warning signal indicator normally connected to the control brushes, which provides a selectable optical and acoustic warning signal when the control brushes establish contact with the commutator upon a predetermined degree of wear of the carbon brushes, the improvement includes an electrical memory which has set and reset inputs, is connected to the control brushes, and controls the warning signal indicator. The control brushes set the memory upon establishing contact with the commutator.

Abstract: A low voltage power supply powers a high impedance, high voltage dc supply. An electronic switch serves to automatically connect the high voltage output to the windings of a motor when the motor is non-operating. A lead connects from the frame of the motor to a sense resistor connected to the high voltage system ground. A plurality of variable threshold comparators is connected across the sense resistor. Leakage of the motor windings insulation results in a current flow through the sense resistor producing a voltage drop proportional to the leakage. Each comparator is adjustable to produce an indication of a value of leakage resistance at which the comparator produces an output.

Abstract: A device to detect electrical contact between a stator and a rotor in an electrical power machine comprising a plurality of thinly insulated electrical conductors extending across the face of the stator and spaced about the circumference of the stator in close proximity to said rotor, and means to signal any electrical contact between said rotor and said conductors. This device is particularly useful in detecting worn shaft bearings.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for detection and monitoring of improper operation of commutator-brush combinations conveying current to or from the electromagnetic rotary member of a motor or generator, and relates, more particularly, to means for detecting defective brushes in critical motor driven textile units such as yarn storage feeder devices which operate to store yarn temporarily for use by user means such as a loom.

Abstract: A motor brush wear indicator includes a probe embedded in a brush and connected in the primary circuit of a transformer for completing the secondary circuit when the brush has worn to a predetermined degree. An oscilator is coupled to the secondary of the transformer which in turn is connected to the gate of an SCR for providing a gate signal when the primary circuit is completed. A relay is connected to the anode-cathode circuit of the SCR for operating an indicating device when the SCR becomes conductive.

Abstract: An electrical warning system for malfunctions in refrigeration equipment driven by an electric motor comprises a main resistor connected in series with the motor to cause only a small voltage drop in the power supply to the motor, a high amp shunt across the main resistor comprising a diode, resistor and light-emitting diode, and a low amp shunt across the main resistor comprising a diode and light-emitting diode with the latter having in parallel a capacitor as well as a resistor in series with a zener diode.

Abstract: An arrangement for sensing the operating condition of an alternating current machine employs a Hall switch on the stator which is subjected to the alternating magnetic field established during operation. The Hall switch has a magnetic field strength threshhold below which it will not be actuated. During normal operation of the machine, the alternating field strength will cyclically exceed the switch threshhold, thereby generating a series of pulses at the frequency of alternation of the field. Should the field strength decrease as a result of overload of the machine, a decrease in line voltage, or the like, to a level below the threshhold level of the switch, the pulse output of the switch will cease. Circuitry responsive to the absence of periodic pulses actuates an indicator circuit to warn of the faulty operation.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for each of a number of preselected conditions and is actuated in response to the occurrence of the corresponding condition. The indicator remains actuated until manually reset even if the triggering condition no longer exists.

Abstract: A transistor fault indicator circuit monitors the conduction state of a transistor and compares that state to a commanded state. Differences in states are treated as faults and actuate an alarm or shut down the system including the transistor. In systems in which the transistor may be operated in a continuous conduction mode for long time periods, a control circuit is provided to periodically short circuit the base-emitter bias of the transistor to force a momentary period of nonconduction during which time the proper operation of the transistor can be verified.

Abstract: An overload-sensing circuit for an electric motor driven by an alternating signal comprises a supply line connecting the motor to a power source, a resistance in the supply line, and a first comparator for measuring the phase relationship between the power source voltage signal and the motor current signal. A variable resistor is employed to select a phase relationship which represents a load limit for the motor. A second comparator compares the measured phase relationship to the selected phase relationship and produces a signal representing an overload condition of the motor when the measured phase relationship generally equals the selected phase relationship.

Abstract: High noise immunity instrumentation for monitoring brush arcing in a dynamoelectric machine is disclosed. In a preferred form the instrumentation includes a stabilized variable threshold discriminator operative in conjunction with a feedback network and a non-linear high frequency amplifier to provide a discriminator threshold which increases with increasing levels of background noise so that only the arc indicative portions of the signal are passed. A substantial increase in the signal to noise ratio is obtained. The feedback network includes a relatively long time constant integrator and buffer amplifier. Further, to provide an alarm upon the occurrence of brush arcing, an alarm network is provided which includes a comparator for continuously comparing the arc indicative signal with a reference signal which is automatically adjusted to compensate for changes in the average level of the signal from the non-linear high frequency amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and indicating the motion of electric motors includes a voltage sensing module which can be connected to the power terminals of any known type of electric motor and a display module. In the primary embodiment of the invention the voltage sensing module senses the applied or self-generated voltages present between the motor windings, and when no voltage is present, the display module provides an output which may be an electrical signal, or a visual, tactile or audible display. The apparatus is inherently reliable and fail-safe. A failure of components within the apparatus causes a display module output indicative that the motor is running when in fact it is stationary.

Abstract: A critical brush wear circuit for a dynamoelectric machine which is not sensitive to stray voltages and currents resulting from brush dust accumulation within the machine, and which may be used over a wide range of voltages, is disclosed. The brush wear detection circuit is provided with a novel memory device shown as a latching relay, formed by two conventional relays disposed perpendicular to each other, with the armatures of each disposed to perpendicularly overlap a portion of the other armature and latch it in energized position when it has been moved to energized position by energizing its coil. One relay is provided with contacts for disabling the coil of the other relay, so that the other relay coil is automatically de-energized after a momentary period of connection, so that it can be allowed to draw high current, since it is not connected long enough for damaging heat to occur.

Abstract: An interface circuit for use between a plurality of sensors, such as brush wear detecting sensors, and a single indicating alarm. The interface circuit is operable to transmit a signal from any or all of the sensors to actuate the alarm and latch it in its operative state until the alarm is de-energized by an operator.

Abstract: An alarm system comprises a blower driven by an electric motor, the blower being fitted to the premises to be protected and serving to blow air into the premises. With all doors and windows shut the blower supplies a steady flow of air, the flow rate depending on the nature of the blower and how fast air can leak out of the premises around doors and windows, through air vents etc. The current drawn by the motor is constant in these circumstances and is monitored. When entry is made to the premises, by opening a door or window, the air flow rate increases and the load on the motor changes. This is reflected in a change in the current drawn by the motor and the blower can blow air from the premises, air entering around doors and windows etc.

Abstract: In a squirrel cage type of induction motor, conductive strips insulated from the stator are circularly spaced, ninety degrees apart, and project 0.003 inches into the rotor-to-stator clearance space. Upon excessive lateral rotor movement, it contacts a strip, closing a low voltage circuit triggering an alarm and de-energizing the motor. A reset button must be pressed to enable starting the motor.

Abstract: A fault detection apparatus for a rotor winding of a rotary machine comprises a peak value hold circuit, a peak value processor and a monitor. The peak value hold circuit holds peak value of a pulsing magnetic flux waveform supplied from a magnetic flux sensor mounted in proximity to a surface of a rotor, for a necessary time period. The peak value processor sequentially compares the peak value held in the peak value hold circuit with corresponding one of pre-stored peak values of the pulsing magnetic flux waveform to determine if a difference therebetween exceeds a preset level. The monitor indicates the presence or absence of fault based on the result of the comparison of the processor.

Abstract: A low winding resistance protective system for electrical motors comprising sensing apparatus for coupling to at least one motor winding and for comparing the winding resistance of a motor when at rest to a predetermined threshold and for providing an output indication in response to exceedance of that threshold and decoupling apparatus for decoupling the at least one motor winding from the sensing apparatus such that high voltages applied to the at least one motor winding during operation of the motor are prevented from reaching the sensing apparatus. An embodiment particularly suitable for use with high voltage motors is also described.

Abstract: A worn brush indicator for machinery, e.g., a motor generator, wherein a carbon brush is in engagement with a moving contactor, e.g., a commutator or slip ring. The brush is made with an elongated cavity, and an insulated conductor is placed in the cavity. When the brush is worn to a point where the cavity is exposed and the insulating is worn away, the conductive member, having a carbon tip, engages the commutator, and an alarm circuit connected between the conductive member and the brush proper signals a worn brush condition.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aligning brushes of a dynamoelectric machine such as a dc generator or motor to minimize arcing of the brushes. The alignment monitor processes electrical signals from brushes of a dynamoelectric machine during tests in which various levels of buck or boost current are superimposed on a preselected level of excitation current applied to the machine; the monitor produces output signals which, together with the levels of applied buck or boost currents, are indicative of the brushholder rigging adjustment which is required to achieve the optimum rigging position for a wide range of arc-free machine operation. Included in the brush alignment monitor are, respectively, a high-pass filter, a clipping network, rectification means, a second high-pass filter, a discriminator, an rf amplifier and a peak integrator with alignment indicating means. Also included is an rf generator network which is used to test the operation of the alignment apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for supervising and/or controlling the output power of an induction motor comprising means for generating a first voltage signal (Ha) which varies with the actual speed of the motor, means for generating a second voltage signal (S) corresponding to the synchronous speed of the motor, means for generating a third voltage signal (H) proportional to the speed of the motor at the rated maximum output, circuit means for generating voltage signals proportional to either S-H or S-Ha, a first meter responsive to the signal proportional to S-Ha for indicating the output power of the motor, a first voltage divider circuit coupled between the output of the circuit means for generating voltage signals proportional to S-H or S-Ha and the first meter to change the scale of the first meter, a second voltage divider circuit coupled to the output of the first voltage signal generating means and responsive to the frequency of the voltage source for the induction motor for producing an output voltage indicative of

Abstract: An operation supervisory apparatus of a canned motor comprising a first detection device for detecting mechanically abnormal operation and electrically abnormal operation of a canned motor a second detection device for detecting the rotating direction of the canned motor, a combining circuit combining an output signal from the first detection and second detection devices and taking out the greater output signal of the two, and an indicator displaying an output signal from the combining circuit. The output signal of the second detection device at the time of reverse rotation of the canned motor being set to a value greater than the output signal thereof at the time of normal rotation and than the output signal of the first detection device within the range of normal operation of the canned motor.

Abstract: An indicator is provided in a dynamoelectric machine such as a DC electric motor wherein brushes are provided in brush holders to cooperate with a rotatable electrical conductor in the machine, for example, slip rings or a commutator. The indicator gives an indication when a brush has worn to a point where it should be replaced, and then an alarm sounds or a light is illuminated. The brush wear indicator includes an indicator contact which is electrically connected to the indicator means and it is insulated from but mounted to move in accordance with the brush wear movement. The contact is provided on the end of an electrical conductor which is embedded in the rear axial end of the brush so that the indicator contact will become exposed and the insulation covering it will be worn away upon sufficient brush wear. This completes an electrical circuit between the indicator contact and the commutator to thus provide an indication at the indicator means.

Abstract: A load indicator for A.C. motors has an analog multiplying circuit for producing a signal proportional to the product of the current of the A.C. motor and the voltage thereof. From this signal a signal is substracted which is proportional to the absolute value of the motor current. The average value of the differential signal is a measure of the load of the motor which is substantially independent of variations in the motor voltage, provided the proportionality constants are chosen in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A low winding resistance protective system for electrical motors comprising sensing apparatus for coupling to at least one motor winding and for comparing the winding resistance of a motor when at rest to a predetermined threshold and for providing an output indication in response to exceedance of that threshold and decoupling apparatus for decoupling the at least one motor winding from the sensing apparatus such that high voltages applied to the at least one motor winding during operation of the motor are prevented from reaching the sensing apparatus.

Abstract: A wear-indicating brush and warning circuit is adapted to convey an indication that a dynamoelectric machine is in need of maintenance before the brush wears to the point that a rotor contact surface is damaged by contact with electrical connections to the brush. A brush (10) having current carrying pigtail leads (16) embedded therein includes a wear-detecting wire (20) embedded in the brush a short distance (A) beyond the lowest extent of the pigtail leads (16). The wire (20) is insulated over its periphery, including its tip (24), the insulation (26) being abraded by contact with the rotor contact surface (50), so that the wire (20) senses the voltage present thereon. Non-latching warning circuits (66, 66a), with and without the use of an isolating resistor within the dynamoelectric machine to permit the use of a single wire between the machine and the warning circuit to provide a brush wear indication.

Abstract: A system for evaluating whether a work-performing robot can perform a series of programmed motions is disclosed which includes means for continuously comparing the velocity of the various links of a robot simulator, which is manually moved through the sequence of motions to be programmed, against predetermined velocity limits associated with the corresponding links of the work-performing robot which will reproduce the programmed steps, and providing humanly perceptible alarm indications uniquely identifiable with the various robot links when the motions manually programmed on the robot simulator exceed the velocity limits of the work-performing robot. Additionally, the individual velocities of the various robot simulator links are summed, and the sum continuously compared against the power limit of the hydraulic pump driving the link actuators of the work-performing robot.

Abstract: A thermal current limiting controller for use in protecting the electric drive motor, controller and battery of an electrically propelled vehicle against damage thereto resulting from excessive temperature conditions. The controller is arranged to calculate the temperature condition of the motor as a function of the current flow therethrough and more specifically, integrates the current flow with respect to time so as to provide a control signal proportional to the calculated temperature condition. The control signal is utilized to limit the amount of current the drive motor is permitted to draw notwithstanding an attempt by the operator of the vehicle to cause the drive motor to draw greater current. The controller further includes an indicator which is responsive to the control signal to provide a variable indication of the temperature condition so as to warn the vehicle operator of the magnitude of the undesirable heating of the drive motor and, thus, the impairment of the system capabilities.

Abstract: In a DC motor control apparatus for driving a DC motor in accordance with a signal of the difference between a revolving speed signal from a speed detector coupled with the DC motor and a command speed signal so as to drive the DC motor at a revolving speed indicated by the command speed signal, when a voltage to be applied to the DC motor and the revolving speed signal from the speed detector are both detected, the operation of the DC motor control apparatus is decided as normal, and when the voltage to the DC motor is detected but the revolving speed signal from the speed detector is not detected, the operation of the DC motor control apparatus is decided as abnormal and an alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: A refrigerant compressor for use with an air conditioner for vehicles, which comprises a housing in which a vane pump is accommodated, and a covering disposed so as to enclose said housing in a fashion that its inner wall cooperates with the outer wall of said housing to define a refrigerant delivery chamber, characterized by that a temperature sensor is embedded in a portion of the outer wall of said housing. The sensor may be composed of a semiconductor thermo-sensitive device or a conductor wire made of a metal including a high resistance metal. Thus, accurate and stable detection of the internal temperature of the compressor is feasible, thereby making it possible to avoid seizure of the sliding machine parts of the compressor.

Abstract: These circuits produce light, sound and similar effects in models or toys by taking advantage of current modulation produced in a commutator circuit of a two-pole motor which may be used to provide motion for at least a part of the model or toy incorporating one of the circuits. At least one additional effect-producing circuit element in addition to the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. A battery or other means for applying sufficient electromotive force to the commutator for operation of the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. When the additional effect-producing element is parallel to the commutator circuit, the battery supplies an insufficient amount of electromotive force to allow both the motor and the additional effect-producing circuit element to operate in their maximum current-drawing condition at the same time. A sufficient amount of electromotive force is supplied to allow either alone to operate in its maximum current-drawing condition.

Abstract: A load indicator for an air cleaner associated with an air movement system which conducts air to a designated area in response to the supply of electrical energy from an energy source. An energy sensor includes a closed loop flux conducting circuit which is removably connected to surround at least one lead of the energy supplying circuit for generating a magnetic flux signal substantially proportional to the energy flow in the lead. The indicator operatively responds to a flux signal of a predetermined magnitude for providing a predetermined load indicating signal for the filter.

Abstract: A diesel electric locomotive has a dynamic braking system including a plurality of traction motors connected across dynamic braking grids. Air blowers for cooling the grids have motors which are connected across the grids. The failure of any motor is detected by monitoring the voltage across the motor with respect to a reference potential. The reference potential is developed in a bridge arrangement wherein the bridge imbalance is detected by a current sensor or by a reference potential generated in another motor circuit where another current sensor is used to detect a variance from the reference value. A circuit responsive to failure signals but voltage isolated from the traction motor circuits actuates an indicator as well as a relay for diminishing or terminating the dynamic braking function.

Abstract: The voltage that occurs across the run capacitor of a permanently split capacitor type motor when the motor is in operation is quite high compared to the voltage that is present if the motor is stalled. These different voltage conditions are sensed through the use of a voltage pickoff to control an optical type isolation circuit which in turn controls a switch means to energize a fault indicator.

Abstract: These circuits produce light, sound and similar effects in models or toys by taking advantage of current modulation produced in a commutator circuit of a two-pole motor which may be used to provide motion for at least a part of the model or toy incorporating one of the circuits. At least one additional effect-producing circuit element in addition to the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. A battery or other means for applying sufficient electromotive force to the commutator for operation of the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. When the additional effect-producing element is parallel to the commutator circuit, the battery supplies an insufficient amount of electromotive force to allow both the motor and the additional effect-producing circuit element to operate in their maximum current-drawing condition at the same time. A sufficient amount of electromotive force is supplied to allow either alone to operate in its maximum current-drawing condition.