Abstract: The encapsulated transducer (10) includes an injection molded encapsulation (20) having a front end (22) and a back end (24). The encapsulation (20) ensconces a sensing element (40) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of a cable (60) which extends from the back end (24). The sensing element or coil (40) is electrically and mechanically connected to the cable (60) by a pair of suitably sized front and rear ferrules (80), (90) secured to a center and coaxial conductor (66), (70) of the associated cable (60) thereby forming a coil and cable assembly (110). At least the rear ferrule (90) includes a shoulder (100) for firmly anchoring the coil and cable assembly (110) within the encapsulation (20). In addition an injection molding process provides the durable encapsulation (20) which bonds with a dielectric (68) of the cable (60) and symmetrically locks the coil and cable assembly (110) therein.

Abstract: A method of making an encapsulated transducer (10), which includes an injection molded encapsulation (20) having a front end (22) and a back end (24). The encapsulation (20) is a monolith of cured moldable material ensconcing a sensing element (90) proximate the front end (22) and a portion of an information transmitting medium (120) emanating from the back end (24). A component alignment preform (40) operatively couples the sensing element (90) with the information transmitting medium or cable (120). The component alignment preform (40) includes a front ferrule (70) and a rear ferrule (80) bonded thereto and linearly spaced apart along a long axis "A". The component alignment preform (40) further includes an annular recess (44) in which the sensing element or coil (90) is placed so that it is linearly spaced and aligned along the common long axis "A" in which the front and rear ferrules (70), (80) are aligned.

Abstract: A two-wire constant current powered transducer (10) for detecting, integrating and transmitting an acceleration signal (50) received from a piezoelectric crystal (12). The crystal is operatively coupled to rotating machinery (M) such that rotating anomalies correlative of wear or potential failure can be detected early enough for preventative maintenance. The transducer (10) includes two stages (30, 40). The first stage (30) is an integrator which integrates the acceleration to velocity. The second stage (40) is a gain stage. The gain stage operates with a PNP transistor emitter follower to control the output DC bias level and route the integrated acceleration signal back to the control system.

Abstract: A sensor has a metal case with a sensing coil at one end and a shielded cable extending from the other. In one use it is placed in proximity to rotating machinery to sense imbalance by position change of the shaft. A pair of suitably sized metal cylinders which are precisely interlocked by dielectric material provides for firm mechanical and electrical connections to the inner and outer conductors of the associated shielded cable. In addition a four step injection molding process provides for accurate and secure location of the sensing coil. And at the same time the entire structure because of the injection molding and associated seals is moisture proof. Other uses include temperature and velocity sensing.In an alternative embodiment only a two-step injection molding process is utilized with a somewhat simplified procedure.

Abstract: A four-wire system is disclosed for communicating between the host station and several remote stations. A first pair of wires is employed across which the remote stations are coupled in shunt, and over which the host station addresses the particular remote station with which it wishes to communicate, and supplies power to the several remote stations. The remote stations are coupled in shunt to a second pair of wires and transmit real time analog information to the host station over the second pair of wires. Each remote station includes a receiving section, which determines whether an address appearing on the first pair of wires corresponds to the particular remote station, and if so, activates power to a transmitting section therein. The transmitting section responds to control information extracted by the receiving section from the address and transmits selected real time information back to the host station over the second pair of wires by way of a differential voltage format.

Abstract: A small diameter proximity coil for use in proximity sensors to sense imbalance in rotating machinery which has a coil of less than 0.3 inch diameter is constructed of a silver/palladium alloy of 89% silver and 11% palladium. This provides for, because of the inherent balancing out of AC and DC resistance changes, temperature errors of less than 10% over a wide temperature range of operation.

Abstract: A proximity sensor has a metal case with a sensing coil at one end and a coaxial cable extending out the other end for placement in proximity to rotating machinery to sense imbalances by position change of, for example, a shaft. The sensor includes a cylinder integrally molded with a plastic bobbin which carries the coil on its end. This unitary assembly then has inserted in it the coaxial cable and the typically wire braided outer conductor is soldered onto the cylinder to provide a permanent interlock resistance against axial and torsional forces. A plastic insulating cap is placed over the entire assembly including the sensing coil and epoxied thereto. A sleeve over the junction between the cable and cylinder prevents unwanted epoxy from filling the coaxial cable. Finally, this permanent affixing of the cap allows the metal casing normally having a nut and thread to be crimped onto a notch in the cap. Moisture proofing is also provided by injection of silicone rubber in the cavity of the bobbin.

Abstract: A wireless data coupling system for transmitting data such as torque from a rotating shaft to a stationary receiver includes at least one photocell on the shaft along with a corresponding stationary light source for illuminating the photocells. This powers the rotating components. From a data standpoint an analog signal from a strain gauge is converted to a digital signal which is transmitted bit by bit by a pair of light emitting diodes one of which acts as a data sync. The stationary receiver contains columns of phototransistors to receive both the data and data sync pulses. Initiation of the transmission of data is started by a start pulse which occurs first in time and thereafter send pulses from the stationary system actuate the data and data sync pulses from the rotating system.

Abstract: A proximity sensor has a metal case with a sensing coil at one end and a coaxial cable extending out the other end for placement in proximity to rotating machinery to sense imbalances by position change of, for example, a shaft. The sensor includes a cylinder integrally molded with a plastic bobbin which carries the coil on its end. This unitary assembly then has inserted in it the coaxial cable and the typically wire braided outer conductor is soldered onto the cylinder to provide a permanent interlock resistance against axial and torsional forces. A plastic insulating cap is placed over the entire assembly including the sensing coil and epoxied thereto. A sleeve over the junction between the cable and cylinder prevents unwanted epoxy from filling the coaxial cable. Finally, this permanent affixing of the cap allows the metal casing normally having a nut and thread to be crimped onto a notch in the cap. Moisture proofing is also provided by injection of silicone rubber in the cavity of the bobbin.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the thickness of piston rider rings includes a probe disposed in the vicinity of the piston rod of a piston in a horizontal reciprocating machine to determine the vertical distance between the probe and the rod. Changes in the vertical distances are used to calculate wear of the piston rider rings. The apparatus may synchronize vertical distance measurements with the rotation of the crankshaft of the piston so that the distance measurements are taken at the same position of each stroke.

Abstract: Telemetry apparatus for a rotating machine shaft includes a fixed collar of lightweight composite material wrapped on the shaft and having embedded in it telemetry apparatus. Measured data such as torque from a strain gauge sensor is transmitted to a stationary sensor by pulses of infrared signals. An array of photovoltaic cells receives energy from a stationary source to power the rotating telemetry apparatus. All rotating electronics is embedded in the composite material which may be, for example, E-type fiberglass. Such composite material provides a resistance to centrifugal forces due to rotation of the shaft but has sufficient transparency to allow both the transmission of data and power to and from the rotating telemetry.

Abstract: Telemetry apparatus for a rotating machine shaft includes a fixed collar of lightweight composite material wrapped on the shaft and having embedded in its telemetry apparatus. Measured data such as torque from a strain gauge sensor is transmitted to a stationary sensor by pulses of infrared signals. An array of photovoltaic cells receives energy from a stationary source to power the rotating telemetry apparatus. All rotating electronics is embedded in the composite material which may be, for example, E-type fiberglass. Such composite material provides a resistance to centrifugal forces due to rotation of the shaft but has sufficient transparency to allow both the transmission of data and power to and from the rotating telemetry.

Abstract: Alignment apparatus and method for aligning a pair of machines having first and second rotating shafts in a machine train with at least one flexible coupling interconnecting the first and second shafts. The flexible coupling has at least one member connected to one of the shafts and is capable of accommodating at least some misalignment of the first and second shafts. One of the first and second shafts is considered as a reference shaft and the other of said first and second shafts is considered as a movable shaft. Means is carried by the shafts having surfaces spaced apart circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the shafts which represent the orientation of one of said shafts and serve as reference surfaces. Paddle means is carried by the flexible coupling and has surfaces spaced apart circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the shafts and representing the orientation of the one member of the flexible coupling.

Abstract: A method for removing electrical runout in a machine shaft is disclosed. Electrical runout relates to electrical irregularities which can result from non-uniform electrical properties of the materials of the observed surface. A non-contacting eddy current proximity transducer is to be utilized and in which such a non-contacting eddy current proximity transducer is positioned to sense the portion of the shaft from which electrical runout is to be removed. The output of the transducer is sensed to provide an indication of the electrical runout to ascertain where the electrical runout is high and low as the shaft is rotated. The portions of surface of the shaft where the electrical runout is high is cold worked to change the resistivity and permeability of the observed material and bring electrical properties of the worked area in line with adjacent areas to cancel or to remove the electrical runout. In the apparatus, means is provided which performs a peening operation on the shaft to cold work the same.