Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacturing armatures according to a first and a second configuration is provided. An information storage device associated with one of the components is provided to store information corresponding to one of the first and second configurations. A processing station is provided which is capable of performing a first processing step corresponding to the first configuration and a second processing step corresponding to the second configuration. The processing station is arranged to perform one of the processing steps according to the information stored in the information storage device. Changeover from a batch of first configuration components to a batch of second configuration components is achieved by delaying departure of processed second batch components from the processing station until all first batch components have been processed and have departed.

Abstract: An improved armature testing apparatus and method are provided. The individual resistances of two commutator bar lead connections can be simultaneously measured in a single measurement step. Further, the resistances of two armature coil can be determined in the same step. The present invention makes it possible to measure individual commutator coil lead connections more quickly than was previously possible.

Abstract: A high frequency surge tester includes a high frequency detection circuit which is used to detect microfracture defects in the insulation of wire on wound coils. The high frequency detection circuit includes a high-pass filter which isolates an errant voltage response so that it can be integrated and compared to threshold limits to determine the magnitude of defects. The surge tester also detects shorts between coils and shorts between turns of the same coil.

Abstract: A high frequency surge tester includes a high frequency detection circuit which is used to detect microfracture defects in the insulation of wire on wound coils. The high frequency detection circuit includes a high-pass filter which isolates an errant voltage response so that it can be integrated and compared to threshold limits to determine the magnitude of defects. The surge tester also detects shorts between coils and shorts between turns of the same coil.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for determining the resistance of the electrical connections between coils and the bars of a commutator for electric motors as well as the resistance of the coils themselves includes applying appropriate voltages to the commutator bars to simulate a cut in the winding thus permitting determination of the connection resistance independently of the coil resistance. After the connection resistance has been determined, the measurement of an additional voltage permits the determination of the coil resistance.