Abstract: A permanent magnet brushless (PMBL) servo motor test apparatus and method allow testing of a motor in place. A set of static and dynamic tests is performed to determine proper motor operation of armature windings and rotor feedback devices. The test system of the present invention displaces the motor drive system. The test system comprises an armature driver, a feedback device input, and a system controller. The armature windings of the motor-under-test are driven in a polarity sequence according to a test sequence, whereby the rotor is driven in a series of rotations. Angle feedback is tested at a plurality of said rotations. Rotor velocity outputs are tested during said rotations. Armature current and voltage are determined at a plurality of said rotations and winding balance is tested. Said power switch is also operative to apply a voltage between the armature windings and the motor case to test for fault current flow.

Abstract: A stand-alone shopping list generator comprises a UPC scanner, a product database, a system controller, and a printer. The UPC scanner reads product identification codes encoded on UPC labels from exhausted products and sends the product identification codes to a system controller. The system controller retrieves product descriptions associated with the product identification codes from the product database. Product descriptions for scanned products are printed forming a shopping list. In a similar embodiment of the invention, an RFID reader replaces the UPC scanner, reading the product identification codes from products labeled with RFID tags. In another embodiment, a link delivers the shopping list to a personal digital assistant (PDA). In this embodiment, the shopping list is accumulated in non-volatile memory within the shopping list generator for later transfer to the PDA.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows a non-standard brushless motor to be driven with a standard drive amplifier. The motor rotation angle signal from a custom feedback device is converted to a standard format for driving a standard drive amplifier. Operator display and keypad allow interactive format selection and motor parameter display.

Abstract: A rotary viscometer is described where there is no mechanical linkage between a rotor that is rotated in a test fluid to measure viscosity and the rotor drive source. A rotor is disposed in a test fluid within a test chamber. The rotor is mounted on low friction bearings. Electromagnets disposed around the test chamber impose a constant torque on the rotor. Rotor rotation rate corresponding to fluid viscosity is measured. The viscometer may have a sealed test chamber for measuring viscosity of hazardous or corrosive test fluids without exposing the operator to the fluid.

Abstract: The geometry of a cavity in a cast, molded or machined part is compared to that of a reference part. Measuring the amplitude or phase shift of an acoustic wave traveling through the sealed cavity, at a multiplicity of predetermined frequencies, forms an acoustic spectrum, unique to the geometry of the cavity. The acoustic spectrum of the part under test is compared to the acoustic spectrum obtained from the corresponding cavity in a reference part.

Abstract: An adapter for an orbiting object viscometer that extends the practical measurement range of such viscometer type to lower viscosity fluids and improves the measurement accuracy. A baffle means disposed in the test fluid reduces whirlpooling, which occurs in low useful viscosity fluids, to extend the viscosity measurement range to lower viscosity fluids. A temperature sensor disposed in the test fluid increases the accuracy of the viscosity measurements by providing more accurate fluid temperature to the processor calculating the viscosity. The advantages of the orbiting object viscometer such as rapid viscosity measurements and the ability to measure the viscosity of hazardous or corrosive fluids are maintained through the design of the adapter providing support for a single vane baffle or compound vane baffle immersed into the fluid, which adaptor is designed and mounted to ensure that the baffle carefully avoids the path of the orbiting object within same fluid.