Abstract: Apparatus for determining the rotational speed of an AC induction motor based on a spectrum analysis of a magnetic flux signal. For a Phase I analysis, which is usually sufficient, three sets of families of peaks indicative of possible rotational speeds are defined, and the flux frequency spectrum is searched for peaks meeting the family definitions to determine candidate speeds, and to assign scores. If there is a candidate speed with an overall score which exceeds a predetermined threshold, the motor rotational speed is determined as that candidate speed. A Phase II analysis, employing a more exhaustive set of five additional family definitions, is applied when Phase I fails to reach a result.

Abstract: An alignment analyzer for facilitating the alignment of a machine set including co-rotatable in-line shafts includes a display device on which separate offset misalignment and angle misalignment components are displayed as a single point in an x-y coordinate system. The coordinates of the point are the individual misalignment components. Also displayed on the display device are curves representing "acceptable" and "excellent" tolerance ranges. The displayed point and the curves together indicate whether the combined offset and angular misalignment is within or without the "acceptable" tolerance range, and whether the combined offset and misalignment is within or without the "excellent" tolerance range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to prepare samples of viscous industrial fluids such as machine lubrication oil for analysis for the presence of magnetically responsive particles and other suspended solids. A test sample of the fluid is held in non-magnetic vessel. This sample holding vessel is positioned in the cooperative pocket of a portable, handheld vibrator and stimulated by 120 to 150 Hz, vibration for a designated period of time, usually 30 to 60 seconds. A strong permanent magnet below the vibrating vessel pocket is oriented to emit a magnetic field on or within the sample simultaneously with the vibrations to induce rapid settlement of any magnetic particles toward the vessel bottom. Such vibration also assists and accelerates pure gravity settlement of non-magnetic particles. Entrained gas bubbles tend to rise more rapidly to the sample surface due to the vibrational stimulation.

Abstract: A method for rotationally positioning a rotor for balancing procedures uses an instrument within a housing that is temporarily mounted to the axial face of a rotor for determining rotational locations with respect to a reference mark located on the rotor. The instrument has a needle indicator which is responsive to gravity, and is mounted such that it can rotate independently of the position of the housing. Tick marks representing degrees are arranged in a circle around the edge of the needle indicator. Two sets of numerical scales are provided, each in a different color, one increasing in a clockwise direction, and the other increasing in a counter clockwise direction. Two arc shaped arrows are provided, one each in the two colors used for the two sets of numerical scales. The color of the arc shaped arrow that points in the direction of incremental rotor rotation indicates that the set of numerical scales printed in the same color should be used for reading the degree of rotation.

Abstract: A viscosity tester includes a free standing magnetic object disposed in fluid in a stationary receptacle. A magnetic force drives the object in an orbit and the magnetic force, the speed of the object and the lag angle between the magnetic field and the object are either measured or controlled and, based on at least one of these three parameters, the viscosity of the fluid is determined. In one embodiment, a magnetic ball is driven by four electromagnets, with proximity sensors detecting the presence of the ball and controlling the electromagnets. In another embodiment, a free standing magnet is driven in an orbital pattern by a rotating field that is coaxial with the orbital pattern and is produced by a rotating magnet or a stator.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for aligning rotatable in-line machine shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an alignment system having a sensed point positioned for rotation with the shaft to be aligned to provide a reference point against which misalignment is measured. The position of the sensed point is adjustable in three-dimensional space by an adjustment system so that the sensed point may be easily secured in a desired location to eliminate errors attributable to movement of the sensed point or improper location of the sensed point. In addition, the alignment system provides a capacitive displacement system to more accurately sense the sensed point, binary blocks to facilitate proper vertical positioning of the sensed point, and an improved chain assembly to facilitate mounting of the alignment system and to reduce errors of the type common to conventional alignment systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration in lubricating oil including a grid-like capacitive sensor, that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium, and a magnetic field imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet and an electromagnetic aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each magnet acts upon the oil along the same axis.

Abstract: The specification describes a system for analyzing and processing an input analog signal. This invention provides an analog signal preprocessor which is operated in conjunction with a main instrument for measuring any defects or wear of machinery parts. The analog signal preprocessor operates to preprocess an analog signal by filtering and amplifying a signal from the analog signal to allow a more accurate reading by the main instrument. The preprocessor will adjust itself for optimum operation and communicate the operation modes to the main instrument. Also, the preprocessor can be addressed by the main instrument to setup the operation of the preprocessor according to a program or input entered into the main instrument.

Abstract: Methods for verifying the mechanical integrity of an alignment bracket, particularly a multi-configurable alignment bracket, used for aligning co-rotatable in-line machine shafts, and for determining the amount of alignment bracket "sag" to be accounted for when subsequently employing readings taken with the alignment bracket. The invention employs a previously-established relationship between sag and deflection of the alignment bracket under the influence of a known force to determine sag and to verify mechanical integrity of the alignment bracket in situ, avoiding the need for the usual prealignment sag determination on a separate straight pipe or mandrel. In the practice of the method, the alignment bracket is set up in a position for use, on the actual shafts being aligned. The extension bar of the alignment bracket is positioned above the centerlines of the shafts, and a known force is applied by hanging a known weight at a predetermined point on the alignment bracket.