Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a multiplicity of lubrication quality parameters. For a particular lubrication system, a parameter profile is designated to define all the measurable parameters to be monitored. Each parameter in the profile is assigned to single category respective to WEAR, CHEMISTRY and CONTAMINATION. Parameter values are proportionalized in a finite number of increments between acceptable and unacceptable limits. The worst case parameter of a category is selected to represent that category on a 3-axis, Cartesian graph for placing a data point along the respective category axis. Three data points respective to the three axes are linked with a triangular plane, the area of which is representative of the system quality state.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of and removing jams in a chute used for transporting a flowable material includes a jam breaking device which travels within the chute. An acoustic detector detects acoustic signals associated with movement of the material through the chute and compares the acoustic signal to a stored acoustic signature representative of an unjammed chute. If a jam is detected, the jam breaking device is operated for a fixed period of time to attempt to break up the jam. After another fixed period of time, a new acoustic signal is detected and processed to determine whether the jam is still present. If so, the jam breaking device is moved a predetermined distance along the chute and operated again. These steps are repeated as long as each new acoustic signal indicates that the jam is still present.

Abstract: A method of determining the rotational speed of a rotating shaft from machine vibration data. The vibration produced by the shaft is sensed to produce a test vibration signal at an unknown rotational speed of the shaft, which test vibrational signal is converted to a test frequency spectrum. A reference frequency spectrum, corresponding to a known rotational speed of the shaft, is provided, and a stretch factor is determined. The stretch factor provides optimum correlation between the test frequency spectrum and the reference frequency spectrum. The unknown speed of the rotating shaft is calculated using the known speed of the reference frequency spectrum and the stretch factor.

Abstract: A method for nonintrusive detection of anomalies in electric machines. A flux coil is positioned external to the motor to obtain magnetic leakage flux measurements, which are transformed to the frequency domain to obtain a flux spectrum. Asymmetry-producing faults, such as turn-to-turn stator winding shorts, produce changes in the amplitudes of individual frequencies and groups of frequencies within a defined slot pass family of frequencies of the flux spectrum. The measured amplitudes of the slot pass family of frequencies are compared to reference and trend data. Significant changes in the slot pass frequency amplitudes indicate the presence of a machine fault or other anomalous condition. Significant changes are determined by comparing individual amplitudes and groups of amplitudes of the slot pass family of frequencies to an absolute or delta threshold value.

Abstract: An ac machine monitor, particularly applicable to ac induction motors, provides information for ascertaining the health and condition of the motor. The monitor is self-contained, having its own internal power source, electronics, and sensor suite, and attaches directly to the outer frame of the motor. Sensors disposed within the monitor include a motor frame temperature sensor, flux sensor, vibration sensor, and clock. An ambient temperature sensor enables determination of motor frame temperature relative to ambient. Sensor outputs are processed and analyzed by monitor electronics to determine various life history parameters, including motor speed and load, which are stored in electronic memory. A communications port enables a peripheral device, such as a notebook computer or portable data collector, to communicate with the monitor and download the life history parameters stored in memory.

Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus for aligning stationary in-line machine shafts. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an alignment system having a sensed point rotatably positionable around a shaft for rotation through a plurality of angular positions around the shaft to provide a reference point against which misalignment is measured. The position of the sensed point is sensed by a sensor which is rotatably positionable around the shaft independently of the sensed point for rotation through a plurality of angular positions about the shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus which automates the collection of motor temperature, flux and shaft current data for proactive motor maintenance. Motor speed is determined by an analysis of the flux frequency spectrum, and motor load is determined based on speed, from which a normalized thermal parameter is then determined. From a spectrum analysis of magnetic flux signals a set of peaks each characterized by a frequency and an amplitude is found, and a subset of peaks is identified in accordance with predetermined identity criteria for purposes of comparison. Temperature, magnetic flux and shaft current data are trended to provide early indications of degradation, as well as for recognizing faults.